Part of the Indiana Biographies Project
George W. Stevenson
Among the citizens of Richmond to whom is vouchsafed an honored retirement from labor, as the reward of a long, active and useful business career, is George W. Stevenson, who, through an extended period, was prominently connected with the agricultural interests of Wayne county. He was born in Boston township, this county, November 29, 1821, his parents being Joseph and Sarah (Martin) Stevenson. The family is of English descent on the paternal side. The grandfather, George Stevenson, was born near Baltimore, Maryland, August 18, 1757, and was a son of Joseph and Rachel Stevenson, who also were natives of that state. He and five of his brothers served in one company in the colonial army, under General Washington, and were loyal patriots who valiantly aided in the war for independence. George Stevenson was reared in Maryland, and there wedded Sarah Cropper, January 6. 1782. The lady was born in the same state, November 24, 1763, was of Scotch descent, and was a daughter of Vincent and Hannah Cropper. In 1807 George and Sarah Stevenson came to Indiana, locating in what is now Boston township, Wayne county. The former died August 31, 1828, and the latter passed away February 20, 1830. They were the parents of eight children, namely: Vincent, Rachel, Joseph, George, Sarah, James, Levi and Thomas. All were born in Maryland and came to Indiana with their parents, the journey being made by stage.
Joseph Stevenson, the father of our subject, was the third in order of birth, and was born June 2, 1786. He was married in Wayne county, September 12, 1811, to Sarah Martin, a daughter of Aaron and Mary Martin, who came to Wayne county in 1806. In 1812 the father entered from the government one hundred and sixty acres of land, comprising the northeast quarter of section 30, Boston township. He was an associate judge and held other positions of responsibility and trust. He was also a mmister of the regular Baptist church, and one of the organizers of that denomination in Wayne county. His death occurred August 13, 1826, and he lies buried near the old Elkhorn church, of which he was one of the founders. He was a strong abolitionist, and it was his hatred of slavery that prompted his removal from Maryland. He afterward wrote a book against it, and at all times used his influence to further the principles of freedom. He continued his ministerial labors in connection with the work of the farm, and his influence for good was most potent among the early pioneers of Wayne county. In public affairs he was also a leading factor, aided in the organization of the county, and was one of its first officers. He had four children: James, a minister of the Baptist church; Sarah, Samuel and Elizabeth.
In the development and improvement of the wild lands of this locality Joseph Stevenson, father of our subject, bore his part, carrying on agricultural pursuits in Boston township until his life's labors were ended, November 29, 1837, at the age of fifty-one years. In those early days he also hauled produce to Cincinnati and brought back merchandise for Richmond business men. In politics he was a Whig, as was his father and his father-in-law, and in religious belief was a Baptist, taking an active part in the work of the church to which he belonged. He reared a large family, of whom two sons and three daughters are now living.
Of this number George W. Stevenson is a representative. He was reared on the old farmstead, and on entering upon his business career chose the occupation to which he devoted his energies in his youth. He became the owner of some valuable land, in Boston township, which he placed under a high state of cultivation, transforming it into rich and fertile fields. He also engaged quite extensively in stock-raising, making a specialty of cattle, but also raising some horses. He is an excellent judge of stock, and in both branches of his business he met with good success. He is still the owner of a valuable farm of two hundred acres, in Boston township, from which he derives a good income. At one time he engaged in merchandising in Randolph county for two years and for a similar period in Boston township, but never left the old homestead until November, 1883, when he removed to No. 1314 East Main street, Richmond, where he has since resided. His energy and enterprise, capable management and honorable dealings had brought to him a comfortable competence, and therefore he put aside all business cares to rest in the enjoyment of the fruits of his former toil.
On the 14th of March, 1844, Mr. Stevenson wedded Mary A. Burk, of Boston township, a daughter of John and Margaret Burk, and he now has a family of four sons and three daughters living. One son, Joseph, owns and conducts a livery and sale stable at Nos. 14-17 South Seventh street, where he has been located since 1889. He is the sole owner and is enjoying a very liberal patronage. He also conducts a transfer business, and his enterprise and industry are bringing to him a most desirable success. Another son, James W., of Roseville, Warren county, Illinois, is superintendent of the city water works, is an expert electrician, and owns a half interest in the electric-light plant there.
In his early life Mr. Stevenson gave his political support to the Whig party, and on its dissolution became a stanch Republican. Since that time he has been unwavering in his support of Republican principles and does all in his power to promote the growth and insure the success of his party. He has filled most of the township offices,—was township trustee of Boston township for six or seven years, and was justice of the peace for one term of four years. He has ever discharged his duties in a prompt and faithful manner, thus winning the commendation of all concerned. He is now a trustee of the First Methodist Episcopal church in Richmond, and for nearly half a century has been connected with that denomination. He labors earnestly for its advancement and exemplifies in his life its teachings. His reputation in business has ever been unassailable and in all the walks of life he is found true to duty and to the trust reposed in him.
Source:
Biographical and Genealogical History of Wayne, Fayette, Union and Franklin Counties, Indiana, Volume 1, The Lewis Publishing Company, Chicago, 1899